Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

On October 14, the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) hosted an international scientific conference on “A New Perspective on Modern Constitutionalism and Sovereignty in the Republic of Azerbaijan.”

Opening the event, President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbayli, emphasized that the conference, held within the framework of the “Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty,” is of great significance for analyzing the path of Azerbaijan’s independent development, the historical and socio-political foundations of its glorious Victory, and the main goals facing sovereign Azerbaijan at the current stage of development.

Academician Isa Habibbayli noted that today the independent Azerbaijani state is experiencing one of the most glorious and remarkable periods in its history. He spoke about the historic services of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who, even during the Soviet period, prepared the nation for the future independence of Azerbaijan. Guided by the Great Leader’s ideas, Azerbaijan has achieved progress in two decades that could be equated to a century. Today, the political course defined by Heydar Aliyev is being confidently and wisely continued by President Ilham Aliyev.

The ANAS President underlined that under the decisive leadership of Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan wrote a brilliant chapter in history by restoring its territorial integrity and sovereignty within 44 days, setting an example for the world. Today, Azerbaijan is recognized as a reliable and respected partner, promoting justice, security, peace, cooperation, friendship, and solidarity on the global stage.

Academician Habibbayli noted that Azerbaijan’s diplomatic achievements have been consistent. After participating in major international events in Copenhagen, Gabala, and Dushanbe, Azerbaijan was invited to the Middle East Peace Summit. At the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President Ilham Aliyev paid a working visit to Egypt to participate in the summit.

He emphasized that this invitation was no coincidence, as it reflected the high level of trust and authority Azerbaijan has gained internationally. Participation in such a significant summit demonstrates the country’s growing influence in global affairs.

“Today, Azerbaijan not only plays an active role in regional processes but also influences developments on the international stage,” stated Habibbayli. “As the leader of a victorious nation, President Ilham Aliyev is recognized worldwide as a head of state who presents a real model of peace. Through his wise foreign policy, Ilham Aliyev stands among world leaders comparable to the President of the United States.”

Speaking about the history of Azerbaijan’s constitutional system, Academician Isa Habibbayli said that the foundations of the independent republic’s constitutional order were established by National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The Great Leader’s greatest dream—to see Azerbaijan’s historical lands liberated and its territorial integrity and sovereignty restored—has already become a reality, as today the national flag proudly waves across all the territories of the country.

Recalling that within the framework of the “Year of Heydar Aliyev,” ANAS published 52 fundamental books reflecting the Great Leader’s lifelong activity and legacy, Academician Habibbayli described these publications as a major contribution of Azerbaijani science to the field of Heydar Aliyev studies. He also announced that a two-volume “Heydar Aliyev Encyclopedia” is currently being prepared and will be presented to the public in 2026.

Concluding his speech, the ANAS President noted that the Republic of Azerbaijan, guided by the national interests of its people, continues its independent policy with determination and consistency amid new global realities, confidently advancing toward strategic goals based on the Constitution and its sovereign rights.

Later, Director of the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of ANAS, Professor Ilham Mammadzade, delivered a report titled “The National Idea of Azerbaijan, Values, and Sovereignty.” He analyzed the development stages of Azerbaijani constitutionalism and the evolving concept of sovereignty in modern times.

Professor Mammadzade noted that constitutionalism and sovereignty are closely interrelated concepts. The main task facing Azerbaijan today is to build a legal state and ensure the sustainable protection of real sovereignty. The idea of constitutionalism embodies such fundamental principles as the limitation of state power by law and the safeguarding of citizens’ basic rights and freedoms. He emphasized that the development of these principles in Azerbaijan stands among the major legal achievements of the independence period and was enshrined in the 1995 Constitution, which established the legal foundations of the state and affirmed the principles of national sovereignty and the rule of law.

According to the speaker, the full restoration of state sovereignty after Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day Patriotic War created an opportunity for a new practical and political-legal interpretation of sovereignty. Today, sovereignty is not merely a constitutional norm but also a key indicator of real political, economic, and cultural development. The reconstruction and reintegration policies implemented in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions are clear examples of this.

Professor Ilham Mammadzade emphasized that in the Republic of Azerbaijan, modern concepts of constitutionalism and sovereignty are not only legal categories but also dynamic structures aligned with political, economic, and technological realities. The development of constitutionalism contributes to the democratization of governance and the strengthening of the rule of law, while sovereignty encompasses not only the protection of independence but also the promotion and defense of national interests in the international arena.

The conference continued with online presentations by Director of the Institute of Philosophy of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, PhD in Philosophy, Associate Professor Anatoly Lazarevich (“Ensuring the Sovereignty of Belarus in Modern Conditions”); Honorary Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, Doctor of Law, and Honored Scientist of Kazakhstan Esbergen Alaukhanov (“The Constitution of Kazakhstan Over 30 Years: Stability, Reform, and the Future”); Chairman of the Public Organization “Council of Azerbaijani Scholars of Ukraine,” Professor Arif Guliyev (“Comprehensive Education as a Condition for True Political Leadership”); and Professor of Kyiv University of Intellectual Property and Law Valentin Halunko (“Principles of Respect for Constitutional Rights of Citizens under Martial Law: The Ukrainian Experience”), among others.

The event also featured reports by Corresponding Member of ANAS and Head of Department at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Konul Bunyadzade (“The History and Conditions of Sovereignty”); Head of Department at Baku State University, Professor Rabiyyat Aslanova (“The Evolution of Theoretical Approaches to the Problem of Constitutionalism and Sovereignty: From the Classical Model to Transformations”); Head of Department at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Professor Rena Mirzazade (“The Institution of the First Vice-Presidency in Sovereign Azerbaijan”); Professor Habil Gurbanov (“Philosophical and Legal Aspects of Sovereignty”); Doctor of Philosophy Fuzuli Gurbanov (“The Role of Political Sovereignty in Ensuring Full Sovereignty”); and Senior Researcher, PhD in Law, Associate Professor Ilham Aliyev (“The Constitution as a Philosophical and Legal Foundation”).

Translation: Gulhane Aghayeva, Department of Public Relations, Press and Information of the Presidium of ANAS

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